US6176093B1 - Automotive air conditioning refrigerant filter and method - Google Patents

Automotive air conditioning refrigerant filter and method Download PDF

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Publication number
US6176093B1
US6176093B1 US09/396,039 US39603999A US6176093B1 US 6176093 B1 US6176093 B1 US 6176093B1 US 39603999 A US39603999 A US 39603999A US 6176093 B1 US6176093 B1 US 6176093B1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
filter
port
compressor
manifold
pressing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US09/396,039
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English (en)
Inventor
Myron Stein
Tommy P. Potate
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Airsept Inc
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Airsept Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Airsept Inc filed Critical Airsept Inc
Priority to US09/396,039 priority Critical patent/US6176093B1/en
Assigned to AIRSEPT, INC. reassignment AIRSEPT, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: POTATE, TOMMY P., STEIN, MYRON
Priority to AT00974100T priority patent/ATE269795T1/de
Priority to PCT/US2000/040900 priority patent/WO2001019628A2/en
Priority to EP00974100A priority patent/EP1237743B1/de
Priority to DE60011806T priority patent/DE60011806T2/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6176093B1 publication Critical patent/US6176093B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/16—Filtration; Moisture separation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B43/00—Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
    • F25B43/003—Filters

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to automotive air conditioning systems and more particularly to refrigerant filters for automotive air conditioning systems.
  • a typical automotive air conditioning system comprises a compressor in the engine compartment for compressing refrigerant and delivering the compressed refrigerant to a condenser.
  • the compressed refrigerant is expanded in the condenser, causing to the condenser to be chilled. Air is blown through the chilled condenser, which cools the air, and into the passenger compartment to cool the vehicle.
  • the expanded refrigerant is then returned to the compressor where it is again compressed and the cycle repeats.
  • the refrigerant loop usually is coupled to the compressor through a compressor manifold having an inlet port communicating with the low pressure side or “low side” of the compressor and an outlet port communicating with the high pressure side or “high side” of the compressor.
  • High pressure compressed refrigerant is delivered to the condenser through a hose coupled to the high pressure port and expanded refrigerant is delivered back to the compressor for recompression through a hose coupled to the low pressure port.
  • the pressure of the refrigerant on the high side can be many times the pressure of the refrigerant on the low side. It is therefore common when the engine of a vehicle is shut off that the pressure differential between the high side and low side of the compressor self equalizes.
  • Compressor failure can occur for a number of reasons.
  • One common circumstance in which failure can occur is when debris such as a small sliver of metal from a reed valve, a shard of plastic or metal from a compressor piston ring, or dirt becomes entrained in the refrigerant and circulates through the compressor.
  • debris can cause gradual deterioration of compressor components or, in some cases, can result in sudden catastrophic failure.
  • the compressor must be replaced.
  • One problem often associated with replacement of a defective compressor results from the aforementioned equalizing reflux of refrigerant back into the hose coupled to the low side of the compressor during operation of the old compressor.
  • the present invention in one preferred embodiment thereof, comprises a method and apparatus of preventing debris entrained within the refrigerant of an automotive air conditioning system from circulating through and ruining the compressor.
  • the apparatus comprises a small thimble shaped filter having an outer rim sized to be pressed into the inlet and/or outlet port of a compressor manifold.
  • the device also includes a manual press adapted to press and secure the filter in place within the manifold ports.
  • an auto mechanic uses the press to secure a filter of this invention in place in the low pressure port and, if desired, also in the high pressure of the compressor manifold.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a filter and press assembly that embodies principles of the present invention in a preferred form.
  • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section illustrating installation of a filter of this invention in a port of a compressor manifold.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating removal of the filter when it is desired to replace the filter with a fresh filter.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the function of the stepped gauge of the mandrel of the press to gauge the depth to which the filter is pressed into the port.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention in perspective exploded format.
  • a common air conditioning compressor manifold 12 is illustrated for purposes of describing the method and apparatus of the invention.
  • the manifold 12 has a metal body 13 , which usually is fabricated from aluminum.
  • the body 13 is provided with a low side port 14 have a cylindrical inner wall 16 and a high side port 17 having a cylindrical inner wall 18 .
  • a mounting hole 19 is formed through the body 13 for a receiving a bolt that secures the manifold 12 to the back of an air conditioning compressor with the low side port 14 communicating with the inlet port of the compressor and with the high side port 17 communicating with the outlet port of the compressor.
  • compressed refrigerant is delivered through the high side port 17 to the condenser and expanded refrigerant is delivered back to the compressor through the low side port 14 .
  • the present invention comprises a generally thimble shaped filter 21 having an annular rim 22 to which a mesh screen 23 is attached.
  • the filter 21 is seen aligned for insertion into the low side port 14 of the manifold 12 . It will be understood, however, that the filter 21 can be pressed in either the low side or high side port or, preferably, in both the low and high side ports.
  • the invention further comprises a press assembly 11 for pressing the filter 21 into a port of the compressor manifold.
  • the press assembly 11 includes a cradle 27 having a front wall 28 , a back wall 29 , and side walls 31 and 32 .
  • the front wall 28 is formed with an oversized through bore 36 through which a press bolt 41 having a threaded shaft 43 and a head 42 extends.
  • An alignment plate 46 is provided with a threaded central bore 47 .
  • the alignment plate 46 is sized to be received within the cradle 27 and to rest against the inside surface of the front wall 28 .
  • the threaded shaft 43 extends through the oversized through bore 36 and is threadable received through the threaded central bore 47 of the alignment plate 46 . Since the through bore 36 in the front wall 28 of the cradle 27 is oversized relative to the threaded shaft 43 , it can be seen that the lateral position of the press bolt 41 is adjustable within the cradle 27 .
  • a mandrill 51 is formed with a threaded bore 53 and is sized to be threaded onto the end of the threaded shaft 43 of the press bolt 41 .
  • the mandrill 51 has a generally cylindrical body 52 , a cylindrical distal end 56 , and stepped gauges 54 intermediate its ends.
  • the distal end 56 is sized to fit within the thimble shaped filter 21 and the stepped gauges 54 are sized to gauge the depth to which the filter 21 is pressed into a port of the manifold and to ensure that the filter is pressed squarely into the port, as described in more detail below.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the invention as it appears assembled and being used to press a filter into a port of an air conditioning compressor manifold.
  • the compressor manifold 12 is seen resting against the back wall 29 of the cradle 27 with its low side port 14 facing the front wall 28 .
  • the press bolt 41 extends through the oversized bore 36 in the front wall 28 and is threaded through the alignment plate 46 .
  • the mandrill 51 is threadably secured on the end of the press bolt 41 and the filter 21 is mounted on the end of the mandrill.
  • the press bolt 41 is rotated to advance the mandrill and filter toward the port 14 as indicated by arrows 24 .
  • the press bolt 41 self adjusts laterally by virtue of the alignment plate 46 . This is possible because the bore 36 in the front wall 28 is oversized relative to the press bolt and the press bolt is free to move laterally within the bore with the alignment plate moving relative to the front wall 28 . Accordingly, the press of this invention is self-aligning.
  • the filter 21 is pressed into the port a predetermined distance and is also centered and aligned within the port for proper operation and to avoid the filter becoming dislodged.
  • Other steps of the stepped gauge are sized to accommodate ports of other diameters.
  • the press bolt 41 is rotated to retract the mandrill 51 from the port 14 , leaving the filter firmly in place within the port.
  • the compressor manifold 12 which previously has been removed from the compressor, can then be reinstalled on the compressor or on a newly replaced compressor. Once the air conditioning system is recharged, the compressor is operated in the normal way except that the filter 21 prevents debris that may become entrained within the refrigerant from entering and ruining the compressor.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred method and device of removing the filter.
  • a threaded removal tool 61 has a plurality of threads and a tapered end portion 62 .
  • the end portion 62 is tapped around its periphery, as indicated by reference numeral 63 .
  • the removal tool 61 is threaded into the annular rim 22 of the filter. As the removal tool 61 advances, the threads of the tool eventually engage the inner surface of the annular rim 22 .
  • the removal tool When the threads are firmly lodged within the annular rim 22 , the removal tool is retracted from the port 14 , which dislodges the filter 21 and removes it from the port. The filter can then be replaced with a new filter in the manner previously described.
  • the present invention in one embodiment, comprises a method of preventing debris entrained in the refrigerant of an automotive air conditioning system from circulating through and destroying the compressor of the system.
  • the method comprises the steps of removing the compressor manifold from the compressor, installing a filter in at least one of the ports of the manifold, and reinstalling the manifold on the compressor.
  • the filter is installed by being pressed into a port of the manifold where it is held with a firm friction fit.
  • other methods of installing the filter may also be used and all are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
  • installation of a filter in this invention at least in the low side port of the compressor manifold installation of a filter in the low and high side ports or in only the high side port is also possible and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
  • the filter can be installed in the manifold using a rubber or soft face mallet.
  • the disclosed press is convenient however, because of the tight space usually found when working on an automotive air conditioning compressor.
  • the method and apparatus of this invention is equally applicable to other types of hydraulic lines in addition to air conditioning refrigerant lines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Compressor (AREA)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
US09/396,039 1999-09-15 1999-09-15 Automotive air conditioning refrigerant filter and method Expired - Lifetime US6176093B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/396,039 US6176093B1 (en) 1999-09-15 1999-09-15 Automotive air conditioning refrigerant filter and method
AT00974100T ATE269795T1 (de) 1999-09-15 2000-09-14 Kältemittelfilter für eine fahrzeugklimaanlage und verfahren
PCT/US2000/040900 WO2001019628A2 (en) 1999-09-15 2000-09-14 Automotive air conditioning refrigerant filter and method
EP00974100A EP1237743B1 (de) 1999-09-15 2000-09-14 Kältemittelfilter für eine fahrzeugklimaanlage und verfahren
DE60011806T DE60011806T2 (de) 1999-09-15 2000-09-14 Kältemittelfilter für eine fahrzeugklimaanlage und verfahren

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/396,039 US6176093B1 (en) 1999-09-15 1999-09-15 Automotive air conditioning refrigerant filter and method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US6176093B1 true US6176093B1 (en) 2001-01-23

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/396,039 Expired - Lifetime US6176093B1 (en) 1999-09-15 1999-09-15 Automotive air conditioning refrigerant filter and method

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US6176093B1 (de)
EP (1) EP1237743B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE269795T1 (de)
DE (1) DE60011806T2 (de)
WO (1) WO2001019628A2 (de)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6422830B1 (en) * 1999-03-15 2002-07-23 Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho Fluid machine
US20030236507A1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2003-12-25 Brigham Lynette E. Containerless tissue sample collection trap
US6669451B1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2003-12-30 Thomas M. Wall Screen plate filter for low pressure side of automotive air conditioning compressor
US6854281B1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2005-02-15 He Jhang Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. Check device for an air conditioning system of an automobile and an air conditioner compressor
US20060102552A1 (en) * 2004-11-02 2006-05-18 Myron Stein Self dislodging filter element
US20060225262A1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 Federico Francisco J Custom vehicle door hinge pin and bushing installation kit
WO2008003157A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-10 Whirlpool S.A. Acoustic muffler for a refrigeration compressor
US20110113821A1 (en) * 2009-11-16 2011-05-19 Chu Henry C Accumulator for air conditioning system
US20150377531A1 (en) * 2014-06-26 2015-12-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Linear compressor and refrigerator including a linear compressor
US11566826B2 (en) 2019-11-20 2023-01-31 Denso International America, Inc. Modular refrigerant cap

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US979481A (en) 1905-08-07 1910-12-27 C M Clay Hose-coupling.
US2202403A (en) 1937-05-13 1940-05-28 Houdaille Hershey Corp Strainer assembly for refrigeration systems
US2645099A (en) 1950-09-29 1953-07-14 Bailey Perkins Inc Capillary tube assembly for refrigerators
US2702993A (en) 1951-07-24 1955-03-01 Int Harvester Co Hermetic connector
US4376331A (en) 1980-11-10 1983-03-15 Parker-Hannifin Corporation Valve spring compressor
EP0594431A2 (de) * 1992-10-23 1994-04-27 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Kältemittelkompressor und Kältesystem mit diesem Kompressor
US5492143A (en) 1993-09-02 1996-02-20 Eaton Corporation Filter screen and method of making same
US5586378A (en) 1994-07-18 1996-12-24 Smith; Steven D. Ball joint extractor
US5630939A (en) 1995-09-15 1997-05-20 Imtec Corporation Filter assembly device for use in surgical aspirated suction

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2134413A (en) * 1937-05-20 1938-10-25 Munoz Alfred Filter assembly
US3371563A (en) * 1966-08-11 1968-03-05 Matthew J. Lallo Safety radiator cap removal tool
US4969804A (en) * 1989-03-08 1990-11-13 Tecumseh Products Company Suction line connector for hermetic compressor
US5307712A (en) * 1993-02-03 1994-05-03 Pratt Jerry D Tool for installing and removing filters

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US979481A (en) 1905-08-07 1910-12-27 C M Clay Hose-coupling.
US2202403A (en) 1937-05-13 1940-05-28 Houdaille Hershey Corp Strainer assembly for refrigeration systems
US2645099A (en) 1950-09-29 1953-07-14 Bailey Perkins Inc Capillary tube assembly for refrigerators
US2702993A (en) 1951-07-24 1955-03-01 Int Harvester Co Hermetic connector
US4376331A (en) 1980-11-10 1983-03-15 Parker-Hannifin Corporation Valve spring compressor
EP0594431A2 (de) * 1992-10-23 1994-04-27 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Kältemittelkompressor und Kältesystem mit diesem Kompressor
US5492143A (en) 1993-09-02 1996-02-20 Eaton Corporation Filter screen and method of making same
US5586378A (en) 1994-07-18 1996-12-24 Smith; Steven D. Ball joint extractor
US5630939A (en) 1995-09-15 1997-05-20 Imtec Corporation Filter assembly device for use in surgical aspirated suction

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6422830B1 (en) * 1999-03-15 2002-07-23 Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho Fluid machine
US6669451B1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2003-12-30 Thomas M. Wall Screen plate filter for low pressure side of automotive air conditioning compressor
US20030236507A1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2003-12-25 Brigham Lynette E. Containerless tissue sample collection trap
US7182754B2 (en) * 2002-06-19 2007-02-27 N.M. Beale Company Containerless tissue sample collection trap
US6854281B1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2005-02-15 He Jhang Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. Check device for an air conditioning system of an automobile and an air conditioner compressor
US20050039470A1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2005-02-24 Laing Lai Chin Check device for an air conditioning system of an automobile and an air conditioner compressor
US7704384B2 (en) * 2004-11-02 2010-04-27 Air Sept, Inc. Self dislodging filter element
US20060102552A1 (en) * 2004-11-02 2006-05-18 Myron Stein Self dislodging filter element
US20060225262A1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 Federico Francisco J Custom vehicle door hinge pin and bushing installation kit
US20100006371A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2010-01-14 Whirlpool S.A. Acoustic muffler for a refrigeration compressor
WO2008003157A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-10 Whirlpool S.A. Acoustic muffler for a refrigeration compressor
US20110113821A1 (en) * 2009-11-16 2011-05-19 Chu Henry C Accumulator for air conditioning system
US20150377531A1 (en) * 2014-06-26 2015-12-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Linear compressor and refrigerator including a linear compressor
US11566826B2 (en) 2019-11-20 2023-01-31 Denso International America, Inc. Modular refrigerant cap

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001019628A3 (en) 2002-07-11
WO2001019628A2 (en) 2001-03-22
EP1237743A2 (de) 2002-09-11
EP1237743B1 (de) 2004-06-23
DE60011806T2 (de) 2005-07-14
ATE269795T1 (de) 2004-07-15
DE60011806D1 (de) 2004-07-29

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